Meet Kimberly Corrigan | Writer, Performer, Marketer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimberly Corrigan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimberly, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I came up in a time professionally where more meant ‘more’ – more hours, more meals at the office. Even if you didn’t believe in it internally it was an unspoken rule if you wanted to be competitive. The creative space can be a different speed on its own, but after moving on from Broadcasting to creative agency work, I learned to better prioritize. Owning my own business helped me ultimately see the true benefits of balance, bc I truly was completely relying on myself as a freelancer. I worked hard, and took time to relax. Both my professional and personal life have benefitted from letting go a little and not living to work.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Hard work (headed?) definitely sets me apart lol – as I’ve grown I’ve learned how to actually do it smarter and not harder. 🙂 My professional career has always taken the forefront in my life, from broadcast television and creative agencies, to professional headhunting as Division Director of The Creative Group at Robert Half International. As this feels like one of those High School ‘write where you’ll be in 20 years’ assignments it’s bizarre how quickly time flies. I made my career my life and rang the brass bell at the top and discovered there is so much more to life than climbing the ladder. Often, when you have time, you don’t have the money and when you have the money, you wish you could buy time. The best part of the journey has been the relationships. The bonds formed with others with like minds and goals, and even the ones that challenge or even seem to trip us up along the way. These people, our networks, are the ‘why’. We do it for each other. The best stories always involve bettering our fellow man in some way. Headhunting was a complete thrill assisting people in bettering their lives and the creative agency work, art for business purpose, well, made things better. Aesthetically and cathartically for those who create. My tip would be what is becoming more mainstream – and that’s balance. Having the guts to open my own business and internalize the adage ‘do what you love and you won’t work a day’ helped me reprioritize and find better structure and balance in my life. I’m so much happier knowing my boundaries while continuing to enjoy the creative process.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Anyone visiting Telluride is in for the thrill of a lifetime regardless of what they choose to enjoy. In the winter we’d take on the ski hill and lunch at world famous Alpino Vino with a little après ski at Tracks or The Oak. Shopping would be a must downtown at Hook, Mixx Gallery, The Toggery, Two Skirts or Crossbow Leather on Main Street. We’d definitely need to have a margarita at Esperanza’s and a Flatliner at The Sheridan – a historic bar that’s been here since the early days. The Historical Museum would be a great way to learn more and see the historical photos of when horses actually rode INTO The Sheridan, and were the main source of transportation a mere 100 or so years ago when the town was founded by miners. Allred’s or The National would be a must for a more upscale dinner, and we couldn’t forget grabbing happy hour at delicious Cosmo – cosmos and sushi – some of the best in town! In the summer we’d go to any one of the festivals – Blues and Brews, Bluegrass, Film – and take on some of the more breathtaking hikes around the canyon. We could start w the Jud Wiebe and work our way up to a 14’er. We could hike up to legendary Bridal Veil falls and take in more history viewing the site of the first implementation of alternating current, powered by the falls. Camping is also an amazing option, with a canopy of stars out here like no other. We can paddleboard the San Miguel river that flows through town, or if winter, we could take snowmobiles up to the Alta Lakes area and stargaze from the guest quarters. In our down time we can score a class at Mangala Yoga with one of my favorite instructors, visit one of the area’s local hot springs or check out The Last Dollar Saloon, or ‘The Buck’, as locals affectionately call it.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Brad Bennett and Mike Grice of Wildfire, LLC Winston-Salem, NC wildfireideas.com. Inspirational leaders, amazing human beings and fierce creatives that make things better. When I was fortunate enough to be on the team as ‘Sparkler’, I found and fell in love with what it meant to be in an authentic group of fellow creatives – a community of passionate, talented, thinkers, and doers united by the drive to leave it better than we found it. I learned a better way to create meaningful work. Wildfire’s impressive ability to put the work above the ego is rare, and creates some of the best, most inspired pieces. A pleasure to work alongside the minds on this team.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corrigankimberly/